By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As the number of COVID cases continue to drop in the county, mask mandates are being shed.
However, the agency that serves some of the most vulnerable local residents made the decision Wednesday to stick with its mask requirements.
The Wood County Committee on Aging Board agreed the eight senior centers in the county should continue requiring seniors, staff and visitors to don masks except when eating.
“The question is – how do we ease back into things like normal life,” said Dr. Tom Milbrodt, who led the board meeting.
The answer was – it’s not time yet to return to normal.
“We know the impact COVID has had on the older population,” said Denise Niese, executive director of the Wood County Committee on Aging.
“If we were a long-term care facility, if we were a hospital, we would be required to continue masking,” Niese said, noting that the senior centers cater to clientele with the same vulnerabilities.
“This is a board decision. This is something you all have to come to a consensus on,” she said.
Though the number of COVID cases in Wood County continue to drop, Niese said there are still cases occurring.
“We’re still seeing breakthrough cases,” she said. “The last thing I want is someone to say, ‘I caught COVID at the senior center.’”
Milbrodt acknowledged the downward trend in cases.
“We’re kind of in a gray zone now, with total cases dropping,” he said.
However, masks do reduce the risk of spreading COVID, said Milbrodt, who is also president of the Wood County Board of Health.
“They are very effective in an environment like this,” he said. And though the senior centers are back to serving congregate meals, the sites try to spread people out as they eat.
“We need to be on the most conservative side of this,” he said. “Because of our clientele and their vulnerability.”
Board member Tim McCarthy noted that the county is still at a “medium” risk level as set by CDC guidelines.
Other board members talked about the number of non-seniors who use the senior centers – who may not be as careful or have as high of vaccination rates. Sue Hess mentioned those teaching and attending yoga classes.
“Many, many people who come in the building are not 60 and above,” Hess said.
And George Stossel said the tax preparation services offered at tax time in senior centers are for all ages, and people from surrounding counties.
“I’m chiming in on the side of caution – at least until tax season is over,” he said.
Board member Nancy Orel shared that both of her parents died from COVID after the senior facility they lived in began letting people visit the site.
“I applaud the Wood County Committee on Aging for protecting those we serve,” she said.
Niese also talked about the importance of keeping services constant for seniors.
“We also have to keep our staff healthy. We want to continue delivery of services,” Niese said.
Though many of the seniors don’t like wearing masks at the centers, they understand the importance, she said.
And for those who don’t – “I can deal with the phone calls,” Niese said.
The board also discussed that once the mask mandate is lifted, it would be very difficult to reinstate it.
“We really shouldn’t take it off until we’re absolutely sure,” Louis Katzner said.
The board agreed to revisit the mask mandate at each monthly meeting until it’s decided to lift the requirement.
